Defoe

About the Author

Daniel Defoe, born in 1660 in London, was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer whose prolific output shaped the early novel form in English literature. Best known for his pioneering works of realistic fiction, Defoe drew from his own experiences as a merchant, political agitator, and survivor of turbulent times, including the Great Plague and the Monmouth Rebellion. His narratives often explore themes of social mobility, adventure, and moral ambiguity through vivid, first-person accounts that blend fact and invention. Despite facing imprisonment for his dissenting views, Defoe's enduring legacy lies in his ability to capture the spirit of 18th-century England, influencing generations of writers with his straightforward prose and keen observations of human nature.